At
the end of 2000 the Archaeological Survey of India decided
to charge foreigners the equivalent of US $5 for entry to
all the sites it runs, including Buddhist sacred sites.
This has led to even more mismanagement and corruption than
usual. For example in Sarnath you pay your fee, are given
your ticket and enter the ruins. The ticket is a tiny piece
of paper easy to loose or misplace. As you walk around the
ruins guards persistently approach you and ask to see your
ticket in the hope that you can't find it and if you can't
you will have to pay them 'baksheesh'. The alternative -
to be fined R500. At other sites they sometimes claim that
they are all out of tickets and that you can just give them
the money, which of course they pocket for themselves, The
alternative - to refuse to pay and go away without seeing
what you have come so far to see. These and a dozen other
scams are now making visiting Buddhist sites rather unpleasant.
Sarnath, the Vulture's Peak at Rajgir and Kusinara are particularly
bad. But there is something we can all do to lift the fee
on Buddhist sites and hopefully improve the way they are
managed. If you encounter any hassles or corruption (guards
acting as guides without being asked, touts, people trying
to sell you things ) while in A.S.I sites, write a polite
letter detailing the corruption you experienced and your
unhappiness with it. Also say that you feel that it is inappropriate
to charge pilgrims to enter Buddhist holy places. Send the
letter to The Director, Archaeological Survey if India,
Janpath, New Delhi. Mention also that you have sent one
copy each to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Tourism,
Mr. Ananth Kumar. Their addresses are: